Interview: MeanBeatz
by Panagiotis Falcos February 27, 2021
Passionate about music as a child, and deeply influenced by Belgian trance and dance music in the late 1999s and early 2000s, MeanBeatz is constantly searching for his musical boundaries by flirting with trance, the big room and the electro house. . His only mission is to always manage to raise the hands of the world!
-How did your career begin?
After I set foot in Club Illusion in Belgium in the late nighties my admiration for DJ’s and the music began. A few months later I bought my first turntables and started making mixtapes for myself and friends.
-Which is your first track ever released and from which label?
My first ever proper solo release was a track called Connect on D.Max Deep.
-With which labels and artists have you worked on?
I have worked with Alveda Music, D.Max Recordings and Black Turtle Records
-Your favourite artists?
Andrew Rayel, Marlo, Orjan Nilsen, Ben Gold, Markus Schulz, Mark Sixma and Dennis Sheperd.
-Do you have any dreams and plans for the future?
Off course my dream is playing a big festival. But I firmly believe in achieving your goals step by step. So, for me the next step would be that one off my tracks to be played by a big name.
-Your inspirations?
I can be inspired by everything, like from a sample, to an another track. Also, by travelling. It’s not just one thing. It can be everything. Whenever I get a creative block, going out and doing some stuff.
-Explain us your creative process
Mostly I start with some chords or a melody. I choose some sounds, make a quick break and drop and then I stop. Then I listen to it after 2 weeks later and if it’s good I’ll continue working on it.
-What’s an average day like for you?
During the day I work as a software developer for the most part and I try to be in the studio for 2-3 hours for 3-4 times a week.
-Is there a hidden meaning in your music?
For now, there are just tracks, but I’m working on an EP which may include 3 tracks with a clear story being told. But the project isn’t really mature enough to get the word out
-Do you collaborate with other artists?
At the time I am working mostly alone, being assisted from time to time by Dennis Sheperd as he is mentoring me. But I’m planning to collaborate with other artists in 2021.
-What’s your dream collaboration look like?
To collab with Andrew Rayel or Marlo and using vocals by Alexandra Badoi
-Which DAW do you use to produce music?
I use Logic Pro X.
-Do you play any instrument?
I’m learning the piano as we speak. I hope is will help me to speed up my workflow and come up with ideas faster in the future.
-Have you been in competitions?
Yes, I have been in a few remix competitions, but I think they are a waste of time in most cases.
-Do you perform in public as a DJ?
I used to be an all-round DJ before the pandemic hit. But I choose to stop and mainly focus on making music and doing things that are really in my style for the future.
-How do you think the electronic music scene was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Everything changed. A lot of labels and Artist are holding back on their bangers until we can party again and releasing more radio friendly or listen friendly music. Is not something that I really like. I like those hands in the air. I can’t wait for this to be over.
-On a personal level, what music do you listen to in your free time? Do you have other activities beside music?
I mainly listen to trance, big room and some techno in my free time. When I’m not in the studio, you can find me on a volleyball court, a padel court or in a football stadium. And I never thought I was going to miss grabbing a beer with friends or dining out so hard. Let’s hope for better times soon.
Follow on:
https://www.facebook.com/Meanbeatzbe
https://www.instagram.com/meanbeatz/
Sources: Alveda Music / Blissmag
